Commercial Roofing FAQ

How do I know if I need a new roof?

Typically, roofs can last anywhere from 15-40 years depending on maintenance, weather, foot traffic, and original installation among other variables. One way you can tell is if the seams and other flashings are starting to fail. While leaking may indicate a problem, it does not always mean you need a new roof. On the other hand, if you are experiencing leaking in several different areas, this may be an indication.. Annual roof maintenance check ups will help extend the life of the roof.

What type of roof should I put on?

There are several types of different roofing systems and manufacturer’s to choose from. Each building has unique characteristics, which may change the type of roofing system you should choose. Please contact us today for our knowledgeable and professional opinion.

What type of warranty does RL Bishop & Associates offer if I get with my new roof or repair?

We offer a variety of warranties. Manufacturer warranties are offered in 15 or 20 years. We also offer contractor warranties depending on the scope of the work. The one time we cannot offer a warranty is on repair work. The reason for no warranties is that there may be several problems with the existing roof. We just cannot be liable for underlying problems. That being said, we are typically very successful on our repair calls.

What should a customer do to look for potential roofing problems?

Several common problems to look for include: a ceiling tile that begins to dampen, masonry walls that show moisture and small puddles that start to accumulate on an interior floor. Contacting a qualified roofing specialist to perform maintenance surveys will assure that small problems do not become large, costly problems.

How often should a building’s roof be inspected?

Your roofing system should be inspected twice a year. If there are heavy storms, you should call RL Bishop and Associates for an inspection to ensure that your roof has not been damaged.

What is the best method to inspect a building’s roof?

The best method to use to inspect a building’s roof is to partner with a roofing specialist. Experienced roofing professionals are trained to identify problematic are as. Experts recommend that a company should partner a qualified roofing specialist to inspect a roof twice a year. In between inspections, a building owner can look for potential problems such as ponding and interior water spots after a storm.

How long should a building’s roof last?

A life of a building’s roof depends on several contributing factors including the quality of the materials, the quality of installation, and preventative maintenance to spot problems before they become large ones. Some roofs are designed for a life expectancy of 30-plus years while other roofs have a life expectancy of 10 years or less. Research proves that the number one reason why roofs do not survive their anticipated life cycles is the neglect of maintenance.

What causes a roof to wear out?

Roofs wear out due to a variety of contributing factors that may combine to affect and accelerate roof deterioration. These may include ultraviolet radiation from the sun, temperature extremes, exposure to wind, rain, ice and snow and foot traffic on the roof.

What hidden costs are associated with roof leaks?

Many costs are associated with leaks such as: Downtime for production, lost use of space, tenant complaints, slip and fall accidents and legal claims, mold and mildew, employee moral and productivity issues.

Equipment additions…Improperly added equipment or other items improperly added on the roof (items added by tenants are a very common source of roofing problems)

Trade damage… Punctures, holes etc caused by trades other than the roofing contractor

Unintended Abuse…Vandalism or accidental damage…even a small hole can let in a large amount of water into the roofing system.

What “wears out” a roof?

Long-term exposure to the elements (sun, water, freeze-thaw) or short-term exposure to damaging air pollutants and chemicals

Structural Movement…such as building settlement or expansion/construction not accommodated by the roofing system

Biological Growth…Such as vegetation in areas of standing water or algae.

Not fixing Problems Promptly…these can add up to a much shorter roof life-e.g., if a small problem is not repaired, then a large amount of insulation can be damaged.

Forgetting About Maintenance…This is perhaps the single biggest cause of premature roof failure.

Change In The Use Of The Building…e.g., an increase in the interior relative humidity of a building can cause severe condensation problems within the roofing system

What kind of roof is best for my building?

Many factors go in to our recommendation of roof systems. Building use, access, weight loads, foot traffic, number of penetrations, cost, etc. all play a factor in roof selection.

CanRL Bishop & Associates install a torch-down roof on my building?

NO! The major insurers of construction and roofing contractors will no longer insure roofers that use this product. There have been a number of fires around the country because of the torch method used to install it. If someone offers to sell you a torch-down roof, ask to see his or her insurance coverage for use of this product.

My roof ponds water. Is there anything RL Bishop & Associates can do to get rid of it?

It may be possible to use tapered insulation or add roof drains to expel your ponding problems. It is usually impossible to eliminate 100% of ponding because of building settlement and deflections in the roof decking.

What are the advantages of a white roofing system?

A white roof surface reflects sunlight, keeping it 20% cooler than a black roof. If lowering your cooling costs is a concern, then a white roof may help. Some larger cities, like Chicago, are now making white roof surfaces a requirement to help offset heat generated by asphalt pavement and concrete structures.

Does RL Bishop & Associates suggest installing a new roof be installed over the existing roof?

No, installing a roof system without removing the old system is not recommended. Water can infiltrate the old system without being apparent, causing interiors leaks. The moisture can also prematurely age your new roof, cause blisters or defects in the new membrane, and cause interior damage. The insulation of the old roof could be deteriorated or moist which will reduce the R-value of your roof system and can increase heating and cooling costs for the facility.

In RL Bishop & Associates’s experience, what is the biggest cause of premature roof failure?

Forgetting About Roof Maintenance – Neglect is perhaps the single biggest cause of premature roof failure. A small amount of attention to your roofing system twice a year can extend a roof life by 35%

Can RL Bishop & Associates help me maintain my roof?

Yes we can! We have service crews that specialize in preventative maintenance and leak repairs on all types of roof systems. All roofs require periodic inspections and maintenance in order to perform as designed to achieve the longest possible service life from the roof system.

What are the advantages of choosing RL Bishop & Associates for all your roofing, waterproofing and solar needs?

Some of the advantages of choosing RL Bishop for all of your roofing, waterproofing and solar needs are, we provide complete roof maintenance service, complete roof replacement service, we have expert leak-finding technicians, and we are fully bonded, insured and licensed.